Why I Left the Bay Area for LA...

[@pangvang3031]

The scene with your dad totally broke my heart. He is watching and rooting for you, always.

[@amarie4479]

I love this video. As someone who’s born and raised in the Bay Area, I completely understand. My mom passed away last year and SF feels like home no matter what because she’s everywhere. Crissy Fields, Chinatown, Japantown and Pier 39 holds childhood memories that I get to relive with my teenage daughter. I’m happy that you finally decided to come back. We love to convince ourselves that we’re the ones who left but there’s something special about the welcome home hugs from our closest friends and family ♥️ Thank you for sharing your personal journey with us. Also Redwood Shitty made me LOL! Burn 🔥 😂

[@elliesescapades]

I miss my dad too - thanks for sharing something so personal.❤❤❤

[@honeysuckle]

The memories and missing them never really go away. So sorry for your loss 💗💗

[@janettanaka2894]

This was a really lovely and emotional video. I appreciate you taking us on such a personal journey. My parents passed away 5 years ago within 4 months of each other and I still cannot go into their house which was my home growing up. My niece and her hubby live there now but I still see the house as a snapshot of the past that I want to keep untouched in my mind. Take good care 😊🇨🇦

[@BohoCrochetQueen]

I cannot thank you enough for making this video. (Trying to type this between my tears…) Unless an individual has lived through moving away from home, creating a life elsewhere, and then, going back home, one cannot understand the entirety of the experience. I found myself back home in SoCal five years ago, following my mom‘s stroke; I came home to visit her…I am still here! It cannot be described unless you have a good 24 hours to hear the story. It’s a mix of emotions and experiences that cannot be adequately described. I think you nailed it pretty well! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your transparency, honesty, and, for lack of a better word, realness. You are amazing. Blessings to you and your family, my KZbin friend!

[@danielnguyen8621]

Coming to San Francisco from Vietnam in 1975 and lived in the city until moving to Irvine in 1990, I have always considered San Francisco my home. It has its ups and downs through the years and there are good and bad parts of the city. My son lives in the city and i always love running in the city when I come up to go to the 49ers games. There are so many different characteristics in the neighborhoods in the city. My siblings all still live in the Bay Area. Welcome home.

[@4shehadeh]

Left SJ almost a year ago and miss it. Thank you for sharing.. graveside segment brought tears to my eyes.. I miss my dad too! 😢

[@tracyalan7201]

I loved the video. Time has a way that sneaks up on people regarding distance and family, that no matter how many video chats/phone calls made still doesn't compensate with spending time on the little stuff along with the magic of touch. It happens to most people. Spending time with family as much as possible, as once they are gone, it is always regrettable. Don't worry about the tug of past home and current home, both are always in the heart, and if the memories exist, they remain. I loved the photo recreation of the Bay Bridge as it very important to keep those special moments/photos. It's a very good video.

[@allisonabbott-kline4765]

So much in common with you and Nate. I was born at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, grew up in Santa Clara and graduated from SCU. Go Broncos! Lived in Saratoga (my husband was Mayor), now we split our time between the Rosegarden and Pebble Beach.

[@mv0lution]

I really enjoyed this intimate style of vlog! It was so nice to see you reconnect with fam + norcal.

[@kaaayl11]

you going to visit your dad had me in tears. Makes me realize i should really spend more time with my dad

[@risasklutteredkitchen1293]

For many years I’ve been saying I want to go back to Bensonhurst, go to a favorite restaurant, have my son see where I was from and my favorite places and people and haven’t done it. So good for your mind to return. I know it is very different from what I remember but eventually we will do it. It has been 18 years since we have been there. Thanks for bringing us along. You didn’t have to film going to your dad;s grave. It brought tears to my eyes.

[@honeysuckle]

I think you should do it! I went back to Vietnam with my parents when I was 23 and they showed me all the town they grew up in and it really so special. Shows them where they came from and feels very rooted. And sorry for the tears… I guess that was more for me and for the kids than anything.. it’s been awhile and we want to remember. Thanks for watching 💗

[@sabby3433]

i was born in bensonhurst but raised in a different part of the city, but my aunt still lives there so im there all the time - you should go, have a good time, relive your memories and try to embrace the change :)

[@juliep.4483]

Born, raised and still living here in the bay area - beautiful and so much to do. You are absolutely right however in saying home is where the heart is.

[@Amira-oe9gu]

You made so many memories in your childhood and visiting your family I feel sorry for you losing your dad but I’m sure he’s living in internal peace or maybe he’s living another life on earth but I understand how you feel although I’ve become a teenager without knowing my own dad I know you created memories with him just like the rest of your family and your kids and your sister’s kids are adorable 🤗

[@midlifemom5829]

Loved Esprit!!! Tearing up visiting dad. My father passed away 2 yrs ago. Thank u for sharing

[@jumpywizard7665]

I’m about to move to San Francisco and I’m pretty excited! We’re pregnant of two so can’t wait to see the memories we’ll make.

[@michaelcardenas3568]

That was a great episode of your vlog series! I really enjoyed your perspective, thank you for sharing this part of your life, especially about your father. May God continue to guide and bless you and your family.

[@Eidann63]

I hope your trip is one that you feel has helped you to touch that very important base, gain knowledge that you want, and gives you comfort. I hope you have a happy and safe trip and come back to your home in s. Cali feeling peaceful. 🌺. I have made that trip from L.A. (where I was born and lived into my 40’s) to San Francisco and back many times in my life, until we finally moved to the east coast 30 years ago. My childhood home is in my mind now - precious memories - but we have made our lives here now with no regret. We’ve been back several times, but this is our home now. 🎈🌹

[@honeysuckle]

Thank you! I haven’t felt that much peace in a long time. It was so wonderful to be with my family again. Coming back feeling whole again 💗

[@Eidann63]

That’s wonderful, so glad to hear. 🙏🌺🥳

[@lisalopez5078]

OMG i am from Redwood City but also moved to Gilroy in 2012 the Bay Area has changed so much its crazy i grew up in Newark but its crazy when i go to visit my mom and dad were both born and raised in San Fransico and its so sad what it has become scary !!

[@juelclyne7392]

That was so beautiful. Going home is always filled with so much anxiety especially if it has been a long time, but once you’re there surrounded by people you love and the memories, it’s the most beautiful thing ❤❤❤

[@alexisiwasaki3368]

I grew up in Saratoga. My dad passed away in 1999 and looks like is in the same cemetery (to the left). Love your videos.

[@rosemaryhernandez7949]

Such a lovely video. You going home and seeing all your love ones was very special. You have a hard decision to make for you and your family. No matter where you decide to live, what’s important is that you are with people who love you and will be there to help you out when you need it. You visiting your dad in the cemetery was so special. From the mouth of babes was adorable when your son asked you why you were leaving flowers and talking to the wall. 😢😘🌹👏

[@elaineshigemoto4373]

Wow such a touching video. Rollie, take your pillow with you!! my almost 22y/o son travels with his own pillow (except plane rides) even when visiting home!!! I'm here in SGV, but when hubby is back in SJ, he gets lost cuz things have changed! He'd drive around in circles thinking he knows where to go until he looks at the gps. You and Nate have set roots for the kids that they'll always remember, but, wherever their parents are, that's "home"

[@zina6653]

I totally understand the ambivalent feelings about going back home…I live in the US now but am from Bermuda and it’s hard going back sometimes. I miss my Dad as well. What a beautiful and touching video of your visit to your childhood home🤗💗

[@LaTrebbin]

As someone who lives on a whole different continent than my 'home', I really loved this video. I identified so strongly with you. Thanks for sharing.

[@MelyndaVang2023]

I loved this video. Thank you for sharing. My mother was always home. Now that she is gone, we feel homeless. Unlike you who can still visit and everybody is still there, we can't go home ever again bc the only person who was our home is gone. God bless you and your family. Definitely go home a lot if you still can.

[@HansenSC]

I also grew up in Santa Clara (Bracher, Peterson Jr. and Wilcox High) and only left the city to go to college down south, GO BRUINS! After graduating, I came back to Santa Clara simply because I'm a Santa Clara guy through and through and I can't imagine living anywhere else. Glad you were able to come "home" and enjoy your time with your family.

[@honeysuckle]

Wow! What year did you graduate?

[@HansenSC]

@@honeysuckle I'm "little" older than you and I graduated from UCLA in 1996 and still residing in Santa Clara.

[@jfong252]

Girl, why you making me cry? Didn’t know you were from the bay until I saw your food tour video. As a fellow Bay Area foodie, I approve of all of your stops! SF really has gotten a reputation of higher crime rates and homelessness. There are certain areas where that’s absolutely true, but there are so many places that are so beautiful, like the beaches and parks that we just don’t get here in SJ. Oh and the food scene there is poppin. Anyway, I hope you stop by the Bay Area again soon! I’d love to see more Bay Area content on your channel. I work at the Y just down the street from that Voyager craft coffee shop you went to, so maybe I’ll run into you one of these days and get to say hi in your vlog LOL.

[@Fishingjunkie-y8v]

I felt this. Especially when we moved our entire family from the midwest to here in cali

[@christineumanzio1170]

It's always good to go home, even if it's a bit sad. 🏠

[@honeysuckle]

💗💗

[@thedailymakermaking]

Santa Clara sister, I am so homesick I cried watching this! And you stayed in my mom’s South Bay neighborhood. ❤

[@hellokimmay]

Your father is proud of you. Thank you for sharing. I didn't know you were from up here too!

[@JaniceWithTheTarlovCyst]

Oh my gosh, I cried thinking about going home; the place I grew up in is a ghost town now. All 8 houses were sold to company employees and moved. It's property owned by INCO now called Vale and there is no accessing the village, it's just overgrown bush now with a hydroelectric power plant and a damn up the hill. I'd love to build a tiny house and live on the property but it's impossible. I miss my Dad too, I broke down in fat tears when you visited your Dad. If I want to visit my Father's grave, I will have a 9 hour drive. He's buried in an old cemetery that dates back to the 1800's. It's also in the town where Avril Lavigne was born. Cheers from the Niagara Region 🇨🇦

[@NicoleARLore]

🥹🥹🥹 I totally sobbed through this.. I loved this vlog and I’m so happy to see you back on YT! You’re one of my favs for sure. Was really nice to see clips of Cali as it’s somewhere I haven’t been but it’s on my list. ❤ from Toronto 🇨🇦

[@Lukamom]

This content was gold. Thank you for allowing us to be apart of this journey.

[@aidanlanz3114]

I just moved to Santa Clara! It's been really great so far! Would love any recommendations you have for good cafes, restaurants, or fun things to do!

[@B_ready4671]

Wow..this was such a great vlog, from "ready to see the cousins"😆..to "I love San Fransico" its always nice to reminisce when life was easier, whn our relationships weren't based in responsibility🤷🏾‍♀️, Ur right abt boundries & protecting ur peace 🙌🏾..this vlog made me emotional...seems like this was a much needed trip❤

[@albertamccrary1497]

This was so touching, thank you for sharing.

[@blueelephant123]

What a lovely video. Thank you for your for sharing this personal journey with us. We love all your videos but your journey and life updates are really special and you have such a gift in how your share those with use. Please do more. You stayed in our neighborhood that was so fun to watch.

[@kimmcberry102]

We always take 280 to SF for the same reason, so much prettier! In fact, we'll be taking it today to move my daughter from one apartment to another in SF😊

[@honeysuckle]

It’s so lush and green right now!! Good luck with the move today!!

[@kimmcberry102]

@@honeysuckle thank you so much 💞

[@melindanazim]

Not me crying when you are taking the bridge picture!

[@Harlene808]

I moved away from home but wish I was closer to home/ family. Love all the NorCal/Bay area content!! ❤

[@ayshiacunningham5843]

I can relate to the video in so so many ways. I did not see aby of ut comming and Im glad you posted this. Thank you for sharing something so intimate in such an honest way. ❤🤗

[@itsmeAshley84]

My dad passed away back in September. When I went to his hometown, I felt healed in a weird way

[@Slimcognito858]

Such a great video!! The Golden Gate Bridge photo remake was too cute! Visiting your dad at the end was so sweet ❤️

[@yellowkiwi1838]

right in the feels...

[@leeleeg4169]

Omgoodness, I worked at Esprit in Valley Fair Mall in the 90’s! Asst. Manager. Your trip was nostalgic for me too. Thanks for sharing! 💕💕

[@honeysuckle]

Awww wow!! I was there in the 2000’s right before they closed!

[@brianmoss5483]

Once you hit that bridge and see the fog hanging over twin peeks you know your home

[@gaylesmith1752]

You are a beautiful dear lady! Thanks for sharing your family visit. ❤🙏🏻🇨🇦

[@angeliquealamer]

YAY AREAAAA!!! 😸🔥🫶🫶🫶 Born & raised in SJ/Sunnyvale/Cupertino here! Never heard RWSh**ty 😆 This vlog was so good, may you and your family continue to prosper!!🎉

[@honeysuckle]

The South Bay is the best!! Thank you for watching 💗💗

[@bayer54]

Your kids are adorable by the way ❤

[@yengvang3323]

When I realized what was your last stop, I was immediately in tears. I lost my both of my parents a few years ago.

[@JPH0922]

When you guys comeback do a Great America trip!

[@Crysco_55]

This is what I needed to see, you motivate me to go back home too

[@bunniehoney]

I lost my dad when I was 19 and lost my mom last year. It makes me tear up thinking of bringing my babies to see their grandparents grave 😢

[@bearmerica6668]

If you hangout in the Peninsula, Silicon Valley, the crime is still pretty much the same, low. I avoided the Eastbay.

[@drouinjohnny9036]

My dad just left, just before Christmas, he didn’t say where or why…..just abandoned me and my sister….I know he is not dead but i will never know……..feeling emotional to……

[@lckittyqueen]

god as a british person I can’t even fathom 6 hours drive just in the same state?? when I go see my family down in london it’s a 4 hour drive and that’s longgg for me

[@bayer54]

I lived in Cupertino for over 25 years and finally moved to Folsom for 3 years now . I still work in the Bay Area and it’ll always be my home 😊

[@honeysuckle]

I love Cupertino… it’s such a great little pocket in the South Bay. My dad worked there for 30 yrs! Love that the bay will always have a special place in our hearts 💗💗

[@Rose-yd7bn]

Beautiful family…

[@johnmichaelreyes911]

Fellow bronco here!

[@honeysuckle]

🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@kateymateymusic1]

I'm sorry. I laughed so hard when your son said "why are you giving it to the wall?". Kids are so innocent and they are so concrete about what they see. Big hugs

[@alaynelonigro6607]

Lol - I’m from Santa Clara too!!! (NOT San Jose! 🙄😂)

[@lckittyqueen]

you had me tearing up at the end❤🩵

[@mariarussell3099]

Beautiful video ♥️♥️

[@camerajen]

OMG in the 80s I wore all Esprit!

[@daoduong319]

Great video ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ileanaaa]

❤ beautiful

[@Just8Ate]

Loved this 8)

[@mrs.n.7314]

❤❤❤

[@leslievalenciano-lopez8887]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@matchamatcha101]

Not me tearing up at the end of the video :(

[@peterdoe2617]

Thanks for sharing! All I'm able to say right now, Dzung. (Must be dusty in here.) Thanks!

[@honeysuckle]

Thank you for watching 🥹💗

[@peterdoe2617]

@@honeysuckle I've been following your channel since the hawaiian garlic shrimps. My actual "food in progress" is: I took chef John's "italian braised beef and potatoes", skipped the celery, replaced the beef shanks with oxtail, was a wee bit too generous with the gochugaru ;-) and it turned out fantastic! And I don't let the fat on top of it go to waste: I use it on bread instead of butter. It's got all the aroma and spices of this dish in it. Sounds like a plan?

[@cleong1218]

Crime? You live in Southern California. There's plenty of crime there too.

[@michro4094]

Haha, my thoughts exactly! You'd think SF had become Detroit after all the factories shut down in the 80s. LAs problems are the Bay Area's. The property crime is a joke, but in terms of violent crime, SF is still among the safest big cities in the US, and far safer than it was in the 80s/90s by all measures.

[@biancagorospe8706]

Redwood Shitty > Santa Clara 😂

[@mariposa415]

You: "San Francisco is so scary and hates on the city Also you: "let me bring my kid to SF and let's enjoy the city to go to all my favorite spots" I HATE how influencers who are not born and raised in this city and never even lived here will hate on SF, like how u did. The stats show that in SF violent crime has been down. Wanna know where has higher violent crime than SF? LA yes LA. But u moved to LA and you like it though violent crime is higher than SF and u never even lived in SF. I like many of your videos but I gotta say u did SF durty and you're not even from the city. That's hella wrong, and shows no Bay love at all. Please think next time before speaking badly about another city you aren't from. Like in the end it's all CA and we should have respect for everyone's hometown and city.

[@Chaucer129]

Sending you love Dzung. ❤